As the COVID-19 pandemic gushes through the second year, new fast-spreading variants have caused a surge in infections in many countries, and renewed lockdowns. Thanks to the world that we are living in, right and wrong are just artificial constructs. We grew up and realized that our role models blamed reality for everything and they never told us about boundaries.
Apart from being a douchebag,
I really enjoy her company. She
listens to contemporary blues, psychedelic soul (whatever that is!!) and she
will constantly describe herself as a feminist. We do argue a lot, for
instance, she believes that there isn’t any diversity in our beliefs when it
comes to death and I simply believe what the Christians do believe. On the 15th
of August 2021, we met over a cup of coffee and she had some errands to run.
So, she called her one and only “uber guy”,
me. Only my friends and colleagues from the DUFA can understand this situation.
She was stressed, looked a bit aggravated and edgy. I always try my best not to
listen to baggage people carry with
them, truth be told, I aint a
psychiatrist.
However, I was the “uber guy” and she was buying coffee so as we Nairobians like to
say, ‘irriswarris’. We were in some
fancy restaurant, I have to admit, I do not have that kind of fancy money to
spend. We were served and at that moment, I sensed an air of desperation
surround her, like a heavy cloak that she was tired of carrying. It was evident
in her crystal eyes as they darted about looking for friendly territory; a
friendly face with whom she could sit and feel safe and at ease with.
“Imagine my boyfriend flogged me yesterday and I don’t
know if I can report it as GBV or police brutality,” she chuckled, making fun
of the situation she was in. In a spilt of 3 seconds, I was wondering, what the
hell is she talking about? She knew I dint get it and to make it worse, she said,
“My boyfriend is in the poli…” I lost my concentration and the only thing that
was in my mind was how I can get out of here.
All my life I swore that I will never go to the
police. I fear the police more than the local thieves, scratch that!, I fear
the police so much, that I have to wear a mask because of them not the virus. I
should be the last person to go to if you have an issue with the police or any
type of relationship advice.
“Hey! Hey! Crisis alert” she said as she snapped her
fingers to my face. I didn’t have anything to say so I stammered the first thing
that came to mind. “Have you contacted the authorities? Have you told anyone
apart from me?” She didn’t do any of those and her excuse was he is a police
officer. Being a police officer did suffice the fact that I was with the wrong
person at the moment.
I told her what I would have told anyone, you love him
but he beats you up, that’s not love. You are too comfortable with what you
have. It’s going to hurt when you leave, you are beautiful, probably wonderful,
probably you’ll never find someone like him but remember, the longer you stay,
the higher you will go and when you fall, when you fall you will break
everything.
According to the UNHCR, Gender-Based violence refers
to harmful acts directed at an individual based on their gender. It is rooted
in gender inequality, the abuse of power and harmful norms. Gender-based
violence (GBV) is a serious violation of human rights and a life-threatening
health and protection issue. It is estimated that one in three women will
experience sexual or physical violence in their lifetime. During displacement
and times of crisis, the threat of GBV significantly increases for women and
girls.
“I don’t want you to be a statistic, you know better.”
I said that while calling 0800720308
with her phone.
Gender based violence has been rampant and cases have
increased during the lockdown. Do not hesitate look for help before its late.
Comments
Post a Comment